Asia/Pacific News
PTP Files Lawsuit Over Trident Star Bunker Spill at Malaysian Terminal
Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas Sdn Bhd (PTP) has filed a lawsuit against Rising Star Shipping Sdn Bhd (RSS) and the Shipowners' Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) Singapore Branch for RM31.86 million ($7.44 million) in damages related to a spill from the bunker tanker Trident Star in August of last year, Malaysian media reports.
As Ship & Bunker reported at the time, Trident Star was estimated to have spilled approximately 70 tonnes of fuel during a bunkering operation at Vitol Tank Terminals International BV's (VTTI's) ATT Tanjung Bin Sdn Bhd (ATB) terminal.
VTTI was ordered by the Johor Port Authority to stop operations at the terminal after the bunker spill was discovered at the site on August 24.
"The oil spill thereafter spread out into the adjacent waters and towards PTP's premises," said MMC Corporation Berhad (MMC), which holds a 70 percent stake in PTP.
MMC also noted that RSS obtained a declaration from the Kuala Lumpur High Court in February, limiting its liability to a maximum of RM25 million ($5.84 million), and that excess amounts will be claimed against the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund in London.
"The filing of writ is to therefore secure the interest and right of PTP towards the fund," said MMC.
Claims against RSS is reported include a 5 percent interest per year on the claim, costs, and any other relief.
